Dad’s Rock group celebrates fifth birthday

IT’S five years today since doting fathers David Marshall and Thomas Lynch launched the Capital’s first dads only playgroup.

They bonded over a common issue that neither of them could find group that offered vital bonding time between them and their kids, without feeling as if they were being judged by critical mothers. They also had a mutual love for rock music.

After four months of planning, they launched Dad’s Rock playgroup in Sighthill, which was just like any other toddler group, but with the absence of mothers and the addition of music.

Over time they’ve expanded their services, now offering playgroups at various locations across the city, as well as antenatal classes for men, counselling and music tuition.

Reflecting on the years gone by, David, a dad-of-two said: “We’ve done so much since we first launched five years ago it’s hard to remember everything.

“Everything is going great and we are continuing to grow. We can’t thank the people that have given us support enough.

“I remember ten minutes before our first playgroup session was due to begin five years ago, I said to Thomas, I don’t think anyone will turn up.

“To our surprise around 20 families did and that’s where it all began.

“I would never have thought away back then we’d win several awards and even speak about Dad’s Rock in the House of Lords.

“It’s been quite a journey.”

David, Thomas and Barry Wright have been working hard to firmly establish the group and the role of dad’s across Scotland.

As well as their regular classes and playgroup sessions, they are hoping to visit more primary schools over the next year, to get children spending more time with their dad’s and participating in activities.

David, 37, from Parkhead, said: “I think a lot of time men are written out of the whole equation when it comes to parenting.